Highlights
- Some toys in hospitals and daycares carry over 600 CFU/cm² of bacteria, making them up to 12 times germier than a toilet seat.
- Germs on toys aren’t just “dirt”—they can cause stomach bugs, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses.
- Bath toys, daycare play sets, and even plush animals at home can become hidden germ hotspots if not cleaned regularly.
- Hypochlorous acid spray (HOCl) is a safe, effective, and non-toxic solution for cleaning toys without leaving harmful residues.
- Canadian parents can rely on CleanSmart’s Health Canada–approved HOCl sprays, trusted for nurseries, daycares, and homes.
- Experts recommend making toy cleaning a daily or weekly routine, depending on the type of toy and how it’s used.
Toys Can Be Germier Than a Toilet Seat
Here’s something most parents don’t realize—some toys in hospitals and daycares have been found with over 600 CFU/cm² of bacteria, while a clean commercial toilet seat typically has only 50–200 CFU/cm² (Gerba et al., 2006; Otter & Yezli, 2013). That means your baby’s favourite plaything could be up to 12 times germier than a toilet seat.
And it’s not just about the numbers—these bacteria aren’t “harmless dirt.” Some can cause stomach bugs, ear infections, or even respiratory illnesses. Most parents know to be cautious about toilet seats, but few realize that toys—especially ones in daycares, hospital waiting rooms, or even at home—can be a much bigger germ hotspot.
Where Do Toy Germs Come From?
Think about bath toys that trap water inside—when you squeeze them, that slimy stuff that squirts out is full of bacteria and mould. In daycare play kitchens, dozens of little hands touch the same plastic food every day, often right after snack time. Hospital waiting room toys can go from a sick child’s mouth straight to another child’s hands within minutes.
Bacteria and viruses thrive in these environments, especially on soft plastics and rubber. Unlike hard, non-porous surfaces like a toilet seat that get cleaned regularly, toys often go days—or weeks—without proper disinfection.
Toys in the Home: Hidden Germ Zones
It’s not just public spaces that pose a risk—your own living room can be a playground for microbes. Teething toys that get dropped on the floor, plush animals that go to bed every night, or building blocks shared between siblings can all collect germs over time.
Even play mats, activity centers, and ride-on toys can become reservoirs for bacteria if not cleaned regularly—especially if you have pets in the home or kids who snack while playing.
Don’t forget about cleaning stuffed toys and clean plush toys—these can hold onto moisture, saliva, and food crumbs, giving germs the perfect place to thrive. Many parents wash clothes and dishes daily but forget that cleaning toys should be part of the regular routine too.
Why Hypochlorous Acid Spray is a Game Changer for Cleaning Toys
Here’s the good news: keeping toys clean doesn’t require harsh chemicals. CleanSmart’s hypochlorous acid spray kills bacteria and viruses on contact, without leaving behind toxic residue. It’s safe for use around babies, food, and pets.
You can spray it directly on bath toys, rattles, teething rings, plush animals, or daycare toys and just let them air-dry—no rinsing needed. It works on both hard and soft plastic surfaces, stuffed toys, and fabric playthings. It’s tough on germs but gentle enough for everyday use.
For parents who want an all-in-one toy cleaning set, pairing our HOCl spray with a few dedicated cleaning cloths or brushes makes toy care quick and simple.
Canadian Parents, Canadian Solution
CleanSmart is proudly Canadian—Canadians selling to Canadians. Our disinfectants meet Health Canada’s standards for safety and effectiveness. That means you can trust our products for use on your child’s toys without worrying about harmful chemicals.
Check out our Toy & Nursery Collection for solutions designed specifically for toy cleaning. Our customers often select our 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl spray or other products within the Other HOCl Collection for their regular hypochlorous acid spray use.
Make Toy Cleaning Part of Your Routine
Experts recommend cleaning infant toys daily if they’re mouthed, and at least weekly for other toys. Bath toys should be emptied and sprayed after every use. Daycare toys should be disinfected between groups of children.
When you picture the germs on a toy versus a toilet seat, the choice is clear—regular toy cleaning is essential for your child’s health. Among our products, many parents consider the 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray a favorite — Health Canada–approved, non-toxic, and safe for everyday use around toys, nurseries, and playrooms.
Sources
- Gerba, C. P., et al. (2006). Microbial contamination of toys in child care centers. Journal of Environmental Health, 68(10), 40–44. Click here.
- Otter, J. A., & Yezli, S. (2013). The role of surfaces in the transmission of emerging pathogens. American Journal of Infection Control, 41(5), S31–S35.